Thaldo 100mg Capsule (Thalidomide)

Thaldo 100mg Capsule contains thalidomide, an immunomodulatory medicine with anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. It is used in selected multiple-myeloma regimens and for erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Thalidomide 100mg capsule is a powerful human teratogen capable of causing severe birth defects after fetal exposure, so strict pregnancy-prevention and controlled-dispensing requirements are central to safe use. Other major toxicities include peripheral neuropathy, venous thromboembolism, sedation, constipation and bradycardia. The 100 mg capsule is a strength, not a universal total dose, use it only under medical supervision for safe and effective treatment.

• Multiple Myeloma – Employed in some combination therapies.
• Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) – Utilized in the treatment of moderate to severe ENL of the skin and in prevention of recurrence of ENL.

In cases of multiple myeloma, thalidomide 100mg capsule can be prescribed together with dexamethasone and other agents that treat multiple myeloma. Its use has been less common following the introduction of novel drugs in the same category. It is not usually recommended for uncomplicated leprosy without ENL and needs to be done with medical guidance.

Thalidomide capsule interacts with cereblon, which modifies the activity of proteins involved in the survival of myeloma cells. In addition, it suppresses some inflammatory mediators and prevents the creation of new blood vessels, which could facilitate tumor development.

Myeloma studies: Research has demonstrated that thalidomide 100mg when used together with dexamethasone or another drug may result in better therapeutic outcomes than some traditional treatments.
ENL experience: Thalidomide 100mg capsule has a rapid and well-established anti-inflammatory effect in ENL, but use is tightly restricted because of teratogenicity.

Thaldo 100mg Capsule can produce adverse effects from simple and easily managed symptoms to more serious effects requiring medical intervention. Monitoring will be required to detect these adverse effects:
Common side effects

• Drowsiness
  
• Constipation
  
• Peripheral numbness/tingling
  
• Dizziness
  
• Rash
  
• Fatigue
  
• Oedema

Serious side effects

• Severe embryo-fetal toxicity
  
• Venous/arterial thrombosis
  
• Irreversible peripheral neuropathy
  
• Bradycardia/syncope
  
• Severe skin reactions
  
• Neutropenia/infection in combinations
  

Important: These are only general references to be used when giving treatments. The physician will prescribe the proper dosage, frequency, interaction with other drugs, adjustment of dosage because of renal or hepatic dysfunction, and management of adverse effects depending on the patient's status.

Do not double the next dose after a missed capsule. Follow the specific treatment instructions and contact the specialist if multiple doses are missed.

• Monitor pregnancy tests and birth control use, if necessary, while on therapy.
  
• Be alert to numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, which might be indicative of nervous system disorders.
  
• Order complete blood count (CBC) tests to check blood cell counts.
  
• Be alert to signs of blood clots such as swelling of the legs, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
  
• Check for low heart rate.
  
  

• Current Thalomid (thalidomide) prescribing information and REMS materials https://www.thalomidrems.com/wp-content/uploads/THAL_Prescriber_Guide.pdf​
  
• Rajkumar SV, et al. Thalidomide plus dexamethasone studies in multiple myeloma https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16365178/​
  
• Authoritative ENL/leprosy guidance as applicable https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11663503/​